dcw2502 Loc: Apache Junction, Arizona

Hi, I’m Dick, retired and living in Gold Canyon, Arizona. I am originally from the Pacific Northwest where I was an avid Salmon and Steelhead fisherman. Since relocating to Arizona I am going to have to get into warm water species or become a couch potato. I have absolutely no experience in this endeavor. At this time I am really interested in targeting Crappie in waters close to home. I am pretty much shore bound. I do have a Colorado XT pontoon that I utilize for Fly Fishing lakes. I am not looking for anyone’s “honey hole” but would appreciate any information on when and generally where to target Crappie !!

Jim Sargent Loc: Payson, AZ

Dick,
I have caught crappie while bass fishing on Roosevelt and Apache Lakes. However I fish from a boat. So while I can't offer advice on techniques I can tell you they are present.

Jim Sargent Loc: Payson, AZ

Dick,
I have caught crappie while bass fishing on Roosevelt and Apache Lakes. However I fish from a boat. So while I can't offer advice on techniques I can tell you they are present.

Fredfish Loc: Prospect CT.

Welcome to the Stage Dick, good luck in your new endeavor!

dcw2502 Loc: Apache Junction, Arizona

Thanks Jim, I was up at Canyon Lake yesterday but didn’t even string a rod. Everywhere I stopped and talked to people, there was absolutely nothing being caught !! I’m going to try Bartlett next week. I think it’s going to take me some exploration .

Az Bob Loc: Phoenix, AZ

There are plenty of crappy at Bartlett. Without a boat you won’t have any luck. Jan and a good part of Nov are tough months to catch anything in local area lakes. Would suggest you try to find someone with a boat, or a local fishing club. There are lots of those around (though most are trout or bass oriented) where you can find someone with similar interests. Good luck....

dcw2502 Loc: Apache Junction, Arizona

Thanks for the advice. I have watched a couple videos of people fishing from Kayaks. I’m thinking my Colorado XT Pontoon could be utilized !!

Az Bob Loc: Phoenix, AZ

Try it but hang a big, orange flag from it to keep from getting run over by the big guys! I use a SeaEagle 285F with T Motor, LCR, etc for trips up north (rim, Show Low, etc) when the weather is nice up there and HOT down here. On the big lakes (every where else) I use a big boat. Crappy are often off shore and small boats are hard to see. If you’re going to Bartlett, take the North road (just before you get to the Sheriff station road - that’s back from the stop sign before you get to the main parking lot/ramp). This road will take you to the north end of the lake called Bartlett Flats. Got to the end of the road (it will turn to dirt) and you can drive right up to the waters edge and launch there. I’d go directly across the lake and look for crappy there. Remember to get a day use fee hanger (can get one at the Tonto Ranger station which is a few hundred yards after you turnoff on the Bartlett Lake road). Good luck....

dcw2502 Loc: Apache Junction, Arizona

Good Info. Thank you!! My ColoradoXT has Bright orange 9 ft. Pontoons and I sit up high so it’s pretty visible. From what I’m finding out so far I am probably a month or more early to be targeting Crappie. That start schooling up a little further down the road. But I’m printing out you info and will go on a scouting trip. Another lake I’m looking at is San Carlos !! I love getting out and exploring 😁😁